Visual Arts

On Wednesday, 17th October 2018, 6.00 p.m., the Media foyer of the ”I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre (Intercontinental wing) shall host the varnishing of the painting exhibition The Sign of Jonah signed by Cristian Badilita*. The event shall be prefaced by the poet Ana Blandiana. Known as a writer, essayist, poet, historian of early Christianism, translator – among others – of the New Testament, Cristian Badilita shall be present on the rails of the National Theatre in a new posture, the one of visual artist. The 40 manually manufactured paper plates which shall be exhibited, propose a troubling visual comment, in a symbolic register, of episodes and parables from the Gospel after Matthew. This is how the author himself defines this unusual endeavour: „The Sign of Jonahis a symbolic meditation on the Gospel after Matthew (the symbol being a wider term, more generous, less devotional than the icon). The symbol transcends the author, not depending strictly upon its „crafty” performances. If I were asked to draw a real fish, this would be impossible to me, because I am simply not gifted for drawing. But maybe precisely because I cannot draw a real fish, I can „imagine” a fish-symbol, a „trans-real fish”. This is the way I ask the exhibition symbols to be seen, read, perceived and interpreted. As you know, the term „symbol” originates from the Greek verb syn-ballein, „to put together”, „to reunite”. „The symbol” was a piece of ceramic broken in two on the occasion of a conclusion of a contract. Each of the „contracting parties” received a half. The two halves were „put together” at the ratification or breach of the contract. The present exhibition illustrates, also at another level, the original significance of the „symbol”. It „puts together” the image with the evangelic text, in an own version, very faithful to the Greek original. Thus, in the beginning was the reader of the Gospel. Its translator from old Greek into the Romanian of the 21st century followed, considering the most trustworthy editions. They were joined by the poet-theologist, who, this time, invents visual metaphors, not semantical-auditory ones. So much about the author and the specificity of works! They would have continued waiting, quietly, in their hiding place, if bishop Virgil Bercea had not replied, with his usual promptness, to the proposal of organising an exhibition in the memory of the seven Greek and Catholic bishops arrested seventy years ago, when modern Romania’s founding Church was made illegal by Communist non-law. The present exhibition is dedicated to the seven bishops - martyrs and, through them, to the true Church of Jesus Christ, a dignified, brave one, not subjected to the times and compromises of a century or an instant.  The National Theatre represents a third stop of this exceptional exhibition, after the Ilfoveanu Foundation of Pitesti and the Muzeikon from Alba Iulia.  The exhibition The Sign of Jonah shall be open to the audience until 18th November 2018. Entrance is free, daily from 11.00-18.00, except for Mondays.   *Cristian Badilita (b. 1968). Writer, historian of early Christianism. PhD of the Paris IV University – Sorbonne with the thesis Métamorphoses de l’Antichrist chez les Pères de l’Eglise (Solomon Reinach Award of the Hellenistic Association of France). Fellow at the Madrid Conciliar Seminary (1991-1992); Normal School of Pisa (1999-2000); Institute of Religious Sciences of Trento (2002-2005) etc. He coordinated the commented translation of the Septuagint within the framework of New Europe College (8 volumes; Polirom, 2002-2011). Courses on the Orthodox tradition at the Dan Bernardino Institute of Venice. He elaborates a commented translation of the New Testament (6 published volumes; Vremea Publishing, Bucharest). Recent publications: The Angel on the Highway (Vremea, 2016); Gospel of Luke (Vremea, 2016); The Deeds of the Apostles (Vremea, 2017); Orthodoxy versus orthodoxy (Tracus Arte, 2016); Unlearnings (Tracus Arte, 2016); The Poet and the Prosecution. Baudelaire’s Trial and the 13 Indicted Poems (Tracus Arte, 2017) etc. He exhibited „Poems for Birds and Aliens” in several museums and libraries throughout Romania, including the National Library of Romania, Bucharest; the Brukenthal Museum, Sibiu; Pogor House, Iaşi; the „Dinicu Golescu” County Library, Piteşti. Additional information on the website www.cristianbadilita.ro and the blog http://adamantius1968.simplesite.com dedicated to fine arts works.   Translated by Simona Nichiteanu 

The Art Conservation Support Association, in partnership with the Ion Luca CaragialeNational Theatre, has been running since September 25th, 2018 the Cultural Project Stepstowards the Revival of the Romanian Theatre Museum. * Within the project, a series ofactivities shall be carried out for both the general public of all ages and the specialists in thepreservation of the material cultural heritage.Between October 14 and December 14, 2018, the Tapestry foyer on the 1st floor of the NTB Grand Hall shall host three thematic exhibitions dedicated to some great actors who have marked the centennial history of the National Theatre: Aristide Demetriade, Ana Luca and IonPetrescu. These exhibitions can be seen by all the audiences who come every evening to NTB shows at the Grand Hall, by the participants on Monday’s guided tours, and by the specialists interested in the history of the Romanian theatre.Paintings, sculptures, graphics, costumes will be exhibited, photographs, objects and newdocuments (manuscript posters, archive images) that are part of the National Theatre Museumcollection. Some of these exhibits have undergone careful conservation-restoration interventions: as early as 2018, the restorer expert Dr. Aurelia Pomponiu restored some of the costumes from the NTB Museum collection and through the project Steps towards the Renaissance of theRomanian Theatre Museum, the restoration of oil painting works on canvas and drawings byrestorers Ioan Darida and Dana Postolache shall continue.The first of these micro-exhibitions shall be dedicated to the great actor Aristide Demetriade(1872-1930). There will be a painting signed by Iosif Iser and a bust signed by Corneliu Medrea,representing Aristide Demetriade in the role of Hamlet - who consecrated him as one of the great actors of his generation - costumes (from the roles of Hamlet and RuyBlas), vintage photographs, pieces of furniture. On the eve of the celebration of the Centenary of the Great Union on December 1st, the albumThe National Theatre of Bucharest during wartime (1916-1918), shall be released, authorVera Molea (theatre historian at the NTB Museum), ACS Publishing House. The work is theoutcome of the sustained effort of the author through documentation in the archives and thedetailed study of the documents held by the Museum of the Ion Luca Caragiale NationalTheatre, bringing together valuable documents and information disclosed to the readers for thefirst time. As of mid-October 2018, for two months, the foyer on the floor of the Grand Hall awaits you todiscover images from the history of Romanian theatre that you have never seen before and to be part of an important past that resonates in the topicality of theatrical art with whom you are familiar. We are waiting for you to take a few steps on the corridors of cultural memory, discovering, for a start ... the hidden museum! *The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Identity within the CulturalProgramme dedicated to the Romanian Centenary (1918-2018) and the First World War.   Translated by Simona Nichiteanu 

At the Media Hall Foyer you can visit the photography exhibition about the reconstruction of the NTB builduing.

Doina Levintza, whose career spans so harmoniously over the vast grounds of fashion, theatre and television scenography, evokes through the mere utterance of her name, the creative force behind a restless artist in search for unexpected solutions to any kind of space and character. With an ever fascinating power of work, striving for expressivity and beauty, Doina Levintza is one of those rare artists whose talent is based on culture and knowledge. She signed the scenography for more than 100 shows produced in Romania and abroad, she created sets and costumes for 220 TV shows, and since 1984 she has organized 65 fashion shows. Taking into account the above mentioned details, the difficulty in choosing the content for the exhibition becomes conspicuous. Nevertheless, its structure took shape when we decided to bring under the cymae’ spotlight all those great directors Doina Levintza worked with in her career. Ten directors, fifty costumes and many photos and décor sketches will become the subject of the exhibition – happening which will be hosted by the foyer of the Little Hall in I. L. Caragiale National Theatre in Bucharest, starting at 24th October till 30th November 2014. The title of the exhibition – Doina Levintza: The Theatre Costume – From Sketch to Miracle, evokes the remarkable journey made under the auspices of imagination, from idea to sketch, so it could materialize in the end in the shape of a fabulous new theatre costume. In Doina Levintza’s case, this is always magical. This miracle which has enveiled in magic the theatre’s stages for years, is now celebrated through the exhibition dedicated to it.   Opening: Between 26th and 30th October: 10-16 and 18-22 Between 31st October and 15th November: 17-22   Translated by: Anca Romete MTTLC, University of Bucharest

Engraving and China ink drawings exhibition (1930-2008) and the release of the book "The universe of a great artist: Marcel Chirnoagă" by Monica Cerchez-Chirnoagă, which has recently appeared at the Semne Publishing House. The book contains the artist's and his wife's Monica memories, along with some other recollections taken from contemporaries, a part of his own correspondence, antiquarian photographs and some of the Marcel Chirnoagă's writings on artistry, politics and society. Forty nine works in different engraving technics (aquaforte, aquatinta, solder-engraving, photolithography) and China ink drawings which were created by the artist in diferent periods of his career are displayed in the lounge of the Media Room (The TNB's Art Gallery). Two big China ink drawings are displayed in the Sudio Room's lounge. This event is part of the TNB-Parateatral - Visual Arts. The lasting of the exhibition: February-May 2014. It can be visited daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.The access to the exhibition is made through Batiştei Street. An exhibition sponsored by "Regata Imobiliare".   Translated by: Băluţ Anca-Elena MTTLC, The University of Bucharest  

The National Center for Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture organizes between December 5th and December 19th 2013, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the XII edition of the International Exhibition of Naive Art, at the National Theatre "I. L. Caragiale" Foyer - Small Hall. The exhibition will travel to Iasi from January 20th to February 3rd 2014, at the Palas Mall - Atrium Hall. IENA is the country's largest selection of naive painting and sculpture, with an international participation, which gathers every two years the most representative naive artists from Romania and abroad. NCPPTC project mainly aims to promote naive art in Romania and around the world. The works exhibited at IENA depict the present times and the world of yesterday, ancient landmarks with new meanings, recollections, idealized memories and everyday life stories. The paintings of the most celebrated naive artists from Argentina, Poland, Spain, Serbia, Ukraine, Hungary and Romania will be present on the picture rails. The most valuable works will be awarded by a jury. IENA will be opened : ■ at Bucharest - Thursday, December 5th, at 14.00 at the National Theatre "I. L. Caragiale " (Foyer - Small Hall) Nicolae Bălcescu Avenue no. 2, Bucharest (access from Tudor Arghezi street as well); ■ at Iasi - Tuesday, January 21st, 2014, at 14.00 at the Palas Mall - Atrium Hall. By selecting these locations, we enable a wide audience to meet with the contemporary naive art and the cultural projects of NCPPTC and partners' institutions: ■ National Theatre "I. L. Caragiale" ■ The Iasi County Center for Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture   Translated by: Andreiu Liliana MTTLC, The University of Bucharest   

The largest painting exhibition to date, taking place simultaneously in all the designated areas of The Small Hall, The Black Box and the new Studio Hall (former Operetta), opens on Thursday, the 26th of September 2013, under the name: "Emil Ciocoiu at NTB - Painting retrospective". In the upcoming 2013-2014 season of the evolving I. L. Caragiale National Theatre there could not have been a better suited event to inaugurate its generous exhibition areas and foyers than the Painting retrospective of the well known Romanian and European painter, Emil Ciocoiu. Born in 1948 in Romania, Emil Ciocoiu is one of today's most iconic Romanian painters. Having moved to Germany a long time ago, he made a name for himself by showcasing his work on world-renowned picture rails and in famous collections.* The exhibition organized at The National Theatre is the painter's first retrospective, held to celebrate his 65th birthday. On this occasion over a hundred of Emil Ciocoiu's most representative works, which capture the essence of his artistic ideas, will be brought to Bucharest. The trustee of the exhibition is Marius Tiţa, the author of the only monograph on Emil Ciocoiu written in Romanian. This event, which is part of the NTB Paratheatrical-Visual arts programme is the first of a series of future exhibitions meant to bring back "home" works by other Romanian painters made famous abroad, as a natural step towards integrating these artists in our nation's cultural heritage. As part of the same programme, important works of art in the possession of the National Theatre signed by well known plastic artists such as Ion Sălişteanu, Vladimir Şetran, Ion Stendl, Viorel Mărginean, Alexandru Mărginean, Olga Morărescu-Mărginean and Horia Flămând, have already been showcased in the lobbies of the newly inaugurated halls. The time has come for Emil Ciocouiu's work to take its rightful place alongside the others. The opening ceremony will take place at 6 o'clock in the evening, on Thursday, the 26th of September, in the lobby of The Small Hall (access through the back of the NTB building). The exhibition will remain open until the 25th of November 2013.   About Emil Ciocoiu *Having graduated in 1974 from the Academy of Fine Arts Nicolae Grigorescu in Bucharest(professor Gheorghe Şaru's class), Emil Ciocoiu wins the prestigious Aman scholarship and stands out as one of the most promising young artists. In 1980 he moves to Aachen, Germany. Emil Ciocoiu has built himself a highly prestigious career through his numerous personal showcases and by taking part in group exhibitions and artistic events around the world. His painting, Sharon Quartett, is the reason behind the donation made by the great art collector Peter Ludwig to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Beijing, the capital of China. Emil Ciocoiu has set up two exhibitions in Brussels: the first one right at the NATO headquarters in 2002, followed by another one in 2006 in the Berlaymont, the headquarters of the European Commission. Using his art and personal prestige, he contributed to the national goal of joining the North-Atlantic Alliance and the European Union. In 1996, he held an impressive personal exhibition at the National Museum of Art of Romania, for the first time after leaving the country. In 2008 he arranged three personal exhibitions in the Romanian cities of Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Craiova, followed by two others at the Galateca Gallery in 2010 and 2011, and one at the Palace of the Parliament. For more information visit: www.ciocoiu.eu   Translated by: Scurtu Andrei MTTLC, The University of Bucharest  

Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 19.00, at the Media Hall's Art Gallery, Hashimoto Yashinori, known Japanese businessman, avid photographer and constant promoter of Romanian-Japanese intercultural exchanges, returns to the National Theatre on the occasion of inaugurating the second exhibition of his photographs, all made ​​in Northern Japan and throughout the Akita prefecture, his birthplace. The theme of this new exhibition arouses our interest in Japanese rituals during the winter holidays. Ten sacred festivals in as many cities from Northern Japan will delight us in the series of photographs from January and February 2013. You will find in these recent snapshots winter festivals and rituals dedicated to Japanese deities, a practically unknown world, emanating an exotic charm, caught by the eye of a passionate Japanese photographer and artist, who is in love with Romania for over 30 years. The exhibition Sacred winter festivals from Northern Japan dedicated to deities is organized by the Romanian-Japanese Cultural Association and the "IL Caragiale" National Theatre from Bucharest, within the NTB Paratheatral-Visual Arts program, in collaboration with the Cultural and Economical Association Romania - Japan. The exhibition remains open from May 15 to June 3, 2013, in the Media Hall's foyer, from 14.00 to 18.00. The entrance is made through the Tudor Arghezi Street.   About Hashimoto Yoshinori He was born in 1941 in Akita Prefecture. In May 1960 he is accepted at the Faculty of Arts, the Photography section. As a student he started the group called International workshopand became its president. He was also a member of the Social Workshop. In May 1964 he opens a photo studio in his hometown, Akita, and he becomes a photographer at the printing corporation near Akita. In November 1969 he closes the photo studio in Akita and reopens it in Tokyo, thus becoming an independent photographer.  He works for Asahi Graph, Asahi Journal, Kobunsha, The rural Association for Culture; he also makes slideshows for commercials. In 1977 he accepts the request on behalf of the Romanian Embassy in Japan to take photos during the commemorative visit of Ana Aslan.   In 1978 he is invited by the Romanian Government to visit Romania, where he has a series of interviews. In 1979, starting from the collaboration with the Romanian Embassy in Japan he opens the GH3 Romanian Tourist Office that becomes a collaborating agency of the ONT. In 1985 he starts importing and selling Romanian products. In 1991 he participates at the Romanian Revolution (the end of the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu) and at the development of the Romanian economy by starting here the company HASHY. In 1994 he buys a land in the city of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, and finishes building the offices for his company KANA CO. In 1995 he joins the Romanian-Japan Association. In 2003 he forms the Romanian-Japan Cultural Association in Romania whose main target is promoting the intercultural changes between Romania and Japan. Mr. Hashimoto is grateful for his multiple encounters with Romanian people, staring with Ana Aslan, with the help of which he could come to Romania and whose friendship he appreciates greatly. In time he became fond of these places and started making businesses, investing and earning a lot of money due to his hard working of over 30 years. The exhibition includes photos taken by Mr. Hashimoto Yoshinori in the city of Yurihonjō, in Northern Japan during the 70s but also photos taken between 2008 and 2011, showing the contemporary Japan, nature, people's habits and their work.

The varnishing: Thursday, 1st November 2012, at 20.00 The varnishing can be visited until 30 November 2012. Thursday, 1st November 2012, starting at 20.00, will take place the varnishing of the photography exhibition "The wonderful Jugendstil Universe, architectonic details from the Danubian countries", in the presence of the author, the Austrian Peter Schubert. On this occasion, the National Theatre's new Art Gallery will be inaugurated. The gallery is a connected space with the Media Hall, the NTB's second new hall, which opens for the audience on the same evening, accompanied by the representations held by the National Theatre from Timişoara within the N.T.F. Thanks to a happy coincidence, the author of the theatre play "The Eve of Retirement", presented by the actors from Timişoara, is the renowned Austrian playwright Thomas Bernhard. Thus, the National Theatre will host a true Austrian cultural evening!

Artistic photography exhibition at the new NTB Art Gallery The varnishing can be visited until 30 November 2012. Thursday, 1st November 2012, starting at 20.00, will take place the varnishing of the photography exhibition "The wonderful Jugendstil Universe, architectonic details from the Danubian countries", in the presence of the author, the Austrian Peter Schubert. On this occasion, the National Theatre's new Art Gallery will be inaugurated. The gallery is a connected space with the Media Hall, the NTB's second new hall, which opens for the audience on the same evening, accompanied by the representations held by the National Theatre from Timişoara within the N.T.F. Thanks to a happy coincidence, the author of the theatre play "The Eve of Retirement", presented by the actors from Timişoara, is the renowned Austrian playwright Thomas Bernhard. Thus, the National Theatre will host a true Austrian cultural evening! The exhibition from Bucharest is organised by the Lower Austria Region in cooperation with the Working Community of Danube Regions (ARGE Donaulander), with the help of ICR Vienna and the Austrian Cultural Forum Bucharest. Partner: the National Theatre I.L. Caragiale, Bucharest, within the program NTB Paratheatric - Visual Arts. The Jugendstil current was a real phenomenon: the architectonical styles which preceded it, needed centuries to conquer Europe. On the other hand, the Jugendstil developed in only 25 years and became known under several names on the entire continent. It incorporates traditional, local forms, which at their place, have almost become national symbols - and which can be found abroad as well... The Jugendstil has developed especially in the Danubian countries, from southern Germany to the Republic of Moldavia: we find here examples from the Belgian-French school, the English and Italian floral and playful elements - with their Hungarian version which includes traditional elements of Slavic origin - as well as the ones from the Viennese secessionism, more austere, or from the historic-national architectonical quotes from Romania.  The Jugendstil might be considered nowadays a genuine symbol of a modern and united Europe: a union through local diversity... The 120 photographs from the exhibition, close through their artistic undertaking to the intentions of the Jugendstil current, present elements characteristic to facade decorations. These decorations are the legacies of both renowned architects and artists and unknown master builders. It is exactly this diversity of facades which gives nowadays the charm of many European cities... Peter Schubert's first exhibition dedicated to the Jugendstil current from Romania took place at the Romanian Cultural Institute from Vienna, together with the presentation of a thematic calendar: Romania was at that point one step away from joining the EU. The author proved in this way the belonging of our country to the European family. Other exhibitions followed at the Romanian Cultural Institute from Budapest and, after examples from the Danubian countries, at the Leopold Museum from Vienna, at the head office of Lower Austria's administration from St. Pölten and Pecs. Peter Schubert: born in 1949, photographer, author and curator. He has the education of a historian and he dedicated himself to studying the historical period from around the year 1900. He was offered the title of professor. At present he is the spokesperson, director of the publishing house and the curator of the exhibitions from the Klosterneuburg Abbey from Vienna. His archive dedicated to the Jugendstil architecture adds in more than 13.000 photographs realised together with his wife, along their strolls and trips made over the years in more than 20 countries.              Translated by: Izabella Feher